Choosing The Best FE Exam Calculator: 2018 Update

Updated: March 27, 2018

The top calculators for the FE Exam are:

Calculator

Manufacturer

Price Range

1

FX-115 ES Plus

Casio

$15-$20

2

TI-36X Pro

Texas Instruments

$18-$25

3

HP 35S

Hewlett-Packard

$45-$55

These are the three models that are still readily available (if you happen to have one of the older models then I suspect you're fully versed in the model and I would stick with it). If you want to know more, and better yet HOW TO USE THAT CALCULATOR TO PASS THE FE EXAM ... then read on. ​If you're in preparation mode, see the growing collection FE Exam Prep Free Courses and the collection FE Practice Exams.

​There are countless ways to prepare for the FE exam, but we are going to focus on just one: your calculator strategy. Calculators are obviously an important part of the FE exam and make a big difference in the time spent per question. You still need to use your head if you are going to get the most out of them so here are the ways to make sure your calculator becomes your best friend.

NCEES Approved Calculators

​​NCEES publishes a list of acceptable calculators on their website, and for 2018 it looks like this:

The best FE Exam calculators are:

1. Casio FX-115

FX-115 models, that means any FX-115 including the MS, MS Plus, MS SR, ES and the ES Plus.

There are a number of models but you'll have trouble finding a model other than the ES Plus. So it's really not worth discussing the other models as the ES Plus has a far better screen than the older MS models.

FX-115 MS (discontinued)

FX-115 ES Plus ($15-$20)

2. Texas Instruments TI-30X

​TI-30X and TI-36X, that includes many versions like the a, a-SE IIB, IIS Pro etc.

Both of the TI's are still on the market and readily available. The 36X is a little more money because it has a far superior display screen.

TI-30X ($10-$15)

TI-36X Pro ($18-$25)

3. Hewlett Packard HP 35S

HP 33S and the HP 35S

The 35S has replaced the 33S with a far better model so again it's not really worth the discussion of past models. You'll have a tough time even finding a 33S. They've upgraded it for a reason ... it's just better than the older 33S launched in 2003.

Note, both of these calculators are defaulted to the RPN system (Reverse Polar Notation ... 5 enter, 5 +, equals 10). and it takes a bit to get used to. I like it better but it has a learning curve so if you're short of time, do not go this route.

UPDATE: I've been informed you can change both of these calculators to the standard Algebraic Notation like a standard calculator.

UPDATE: I've been made aware there are HP calculators available on the internet that have useful formulas pre-loaded for the FE exam and PE exam. I haven't heard any feedback on them yet and they seem expensive.

HP 33S (discontinued)

HP 35S ($45-$55)

Know Your Calculator

It's not easy to pick a clear winner, but here's a decision matrix to help you decide. But all these options are great, they all handle:

matrix operations

linear systems of equations

interpolation

numerically solve definite derivatives and integrals

So the real power is knowing how to do this with you're choice of calculator.

Solving Permutations

Solving Matrices

This is a longer 10 minute video that solves addition, subtraction, multiplication and division operations with matrices. Once you store a matrix, it's critical to be able to recall it and perform another operation. A great video.

Definite Integrals

Definite Derivatives

This video is another long one that we split into two parts. This part involves solving definite integrals. This material will be on your exam and it's good to know how to use the calculator to do the work for you.

This is the second part of the video that works with solving definite integrals. Definite, meaning we are solving the equation for a certain numbers, rather than solving generally. Don't wait until during the exam to become familiar with this great feature of the calculator.

FE EXAMPRACTICE EXAMS

FE Exam Calculator Tips

Start Using That Calculator Today​Your first step will be to get one of these calculators well before you take the exam. When you are studying for the FE exam, whether it’s working example problems or taking a practice exam, you should always practice with the same calculator your plan to use on the exam. Knowing the layout of the buttons can save you time and errors in entering formulas. While some problems may be of the “plug and chug” variety, you still have to plug in all those numbers. Even a minor typo can cost you precious time.

​By practicing this way you build up both skills and speed, giving you a definite advantage on exam day. Remember – every few seconds you save is time you can direct towards the most difficult problems.

Investigate The Power Of Your Calculator​Most of us barely scratch the surface of what our calculators are capable of, even with the simpler scientific calculators. Take some time to get out your user manual and find out what you can do. If you don’t have a user manual, don’t worry: you can find them on the web fairly easily.

​It won’t take you very long to skim through the topics to find functions and commands that will help speed up your problem solving. Remember: the goal is to figure out how to get the most out of it for the FE exam.

​If you decide you want to use a specialized command or function, don’t wait until the night before the test to try it out. Let’s say you are going to use an integration function on your calculator. Your first step should be to take a moment to look that function up in your user manual. Next, try using it with some problems you already know the answer to in order to make sure you are using it correctly. It would be a shame to use the right function to get the right answer to the wrong problem on the FE exam!

​If you are new to the particular calculator you are going to use, make sure you can perform relatively simple calculations involving things like exponentials, logs, and memory. I once had a friend purchase a brand new calculator right before an exam, only to fail because he wasn’t using it correctly.

​Finally, make sure you have fresh batteries for the HP the day of the exam (unless you are solar like other models). If you leave batteries in it for months at a time, the batteries will drain.

Conclusion​Your calculator is one of the most important tools you have available to you during the FE exam. Don’t forget that buying the right calculator, and using it when you study for the FE exam has the potential to help you do even better. Take the time to investigate what it can do, make sure you are using any new functions or commands correctly, and protect it from damage. Your calculator can either be your best friend of your most insidious enemy – the choice is yours.

NCEES Calculator

PS: there is also a calculator built in for the CBT system for the FE Exam as you can see below. Not a great solution in my opinion as most people are far faster on a conventional calculator and we know time is of the essence in this exam.